BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS OF JERICHO: FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION

Joshua 5:1

Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.

Joshua got results after hearing God's instructions, obeying it exactly and not adding any little juicy piece for him to look better or taking anything away that might make him feel more comfortable. After Joshua was obedient God said to him that He will exalt him, God will let all the haters see that he has been blessed by God, let everyone see that God is with him. Sometime when we see others being blessed we go ahead and get jealous but we don't know the sacrfice and obedience it took for that person to get where they are. Knocking down that wall of jealousy we misunderstand that is it actually blessings, when people are prospering like Abraham did as a result of waiting all so many years and finally he got his son.

It amazes me when I study people like Moses, Abraham or Joshua and see how they received instructions and was able to diligently obey. Imagine God asking you to sacrifice something that you have been longing for; like a car, house, or your child like Abraham did but God was testing his heart. A few weeks ago I heard a testimony of someone that received an instruction from God to give their car away (they did not have a extra car) and they obeyed. Some time later they received a car that was worth far more than the car they gave away. After obeying instructions comes your blessing similar to following ingredients when cooking or baking if you miss one ingredient you can change the entire pot. They did not cheat God of His time: praise, worship, thanksgiving and honor through their obedience.

Today I would like to focus on breaking down the walls of disobedience, lack of understanding and help you receive the ability to honor the people God has placed over our lives; like our husbands, parents, Prime Minister's, President's and even our boss. Honoring them would mean not to speak about them or even against them. In 1 Timothy it says it pleases God when we make request, pray and intercede on the behalf of those over us (mentors or Pastors) otherwise it would displease Him if we are not.

Instructions are orders or directions; we dishonor systems, parents, spouses and the word of God when we choose not to obey what has been put in place. Chal lemme tell you, when someone try tell me to do something (in my head I would be like- who this person think they are) but Lord knows that had to change. My attitude had to change so I can honor even those that I think is below me like a mentee or my daughter. Getting Instructions from God, a parent or even a friend has been way easier to do when I changed the way I think toward people telling me what to do...why are you so upset with someone asking you to do something? That's the enemy in a subtle way pulling you away from right living. He knows that God believes in these systems and that's how you are blessed.

Lemme explain, you honor the earthly systems like marriage and government (not that we like it but God Himself has put it there) He sees our obedience and says you know what I wanna give you a little blessing for staying in line (you don't always deserve blessings so don't go thinking that everytime you obey you better get blessed) this is not just about getting blessed but it's about living right.

#followinginstructions #followingchrist #journeyinfaith #journeyinhonoringothers